2013 Mercedes GL450 (x166) steering wheel replacement
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
2013 Mercedes GL450 (x166) steering wheel replacement
Hi all, just replaced my all leather steering wheel with a wood/leather version on my own. Replacing it was pretty straightforward and thought I would post some pics of my adventure. The entire process took approximately 30-35 mins. The hardest part was loosening the bolt from the old wheel (whew!). The air bag scared me a bit as it had to be separated from the original wheel and transferring it over to the new wheel. Also very important to note, disconnect battery BEFORE attempting to remove airbag as car will report an error code if not disconnected prior to removal. Removal was done by inserting a small philips screwdriver tip into the existing 2 holes behind the steering wheel and pushing the "pin" back. Any questions you may have I would be happy to try to answer them.
Last edited by Maverick0394; 04-25-2017 at 03:26 AM.
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Maverick0394 (04-26-2017)
#3
Junior Member
Nice! Any photos of the end result?
I thought about doing the same with my GL, but I can't find a black leather w/ eucalyptus wood steering wheel anywhere (for a reasonable price)... That's why I went with a custom wrap that I bought off AliExpress.
I thought about doing the same with my GL, but I can't find a black leather w/ eucalyptus wood steering wheel anywhere (for a reasonable price)... That's why I went with a custom wrap that I bought off AliExpress.
The following 2 users liked this post by smartbot:
Maverick0394 (05-12-2017),
pablob (02-01-2019)
#4
Super Member
Smartbot - did you buy the wrap and wrap it yourself. Anyhow it really looks good, first class job. I found a wooden wheel on ebay and had the dealer install it. I remember they mentioned they had some issue with the paddles, i.e. transferring them, probably an excuse for the increase charge to install it.
#5
Junior Member
Smartbot - did you buy the wrap and wrap it yourself. Anyhow it really looks good, first class job. I found a wooden wheel on ebay and had the dealer install it. I remember they mentioned they had some issue with the paddles, i.e. transferring them, probably an excuse for the increase charge to install it.
Here is a link to the wrap I bought: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Blac...613963331.html
The following users liked this post:
pablob (02-01-2019)
#7
Super Member
you have the link to where you got this?
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#9
Hi all, just replaced my all leather steering wheel with a wood/leather version on my own. Replacing it was pretty straightforward and thought I would post some pics of my adventure. The entire process took approximately 30-35 mins. The hardest part was loosening the bolt from the old wheel (whew!). The air bag scared me a bit as it had to be separated from the original wheel and transferring it over to the new wheel. Also very important to note, disconnect battery BEFORE attempting to remove airbag as car will report an error code if not disconnected prior to removal. Removal was done by inserting a small philips screwdriver tip into the existing 2 holes behind the steering wheel and pushing the "pin" back. Any questions you may have I would be happy to try to answer them.
Thanks so much in advance.
#10
Hi all, just replaced my all leather steering wheel with a wood/leather version on my own. Replacing it was pretty straightforward and thought I would post some pics of my adventure. The entire process took approximately 30-35 mins. The hardest part was loosening the bolt from the old wheel (whew!). The air bag scared me a bit as it had to be separated from the original wheel and transferring it over to the new wheel. Also very important to note, disconnect battery BEFORE attempting to remove airbag as car will report an error code if not disconnected prior to removal. Removal was done by inserting a small philips screwdriver tip into the existing 2 holes behind the steering wheel and pushing the "pin" back. Any questions you may have I would be happy to try to answer them.
Planning to get an alignment tomorrow, hopefully this will correct it???
#11
Newbie
#12
So I took my car to a shop that specializes in alignment and the guy said my car didn’t need it - it was nearly perfectly aligned. Wouldn’t even charge me because there was nothing that needed to be done. I then asked him if he drove it and noticed it pulling. He said yes, but had no idea why. He speculated it is a computer issue, thought maybe the right side is getting more power than the left. I asked him why this would happen after changing the wheel and he said it shouldn’t. Does this make sense to anyone? Why would changing a steering wheel cause a car to pull??? The wheel came off a 2016 550 and went on a 2016 450. Aside from wood vs leather, they appear the same. Both cars have blind assist (vibration if you drift).
I’m confident I have the wheel on straight (after the second install) and the wheel rests in a straight position, but the car drifts right in that position. I just don’t get it ...
I’m confident I have the wheel on straight (after the second install) and the wheel rests in a straight position, but the car drifts right in that position. I just don’t get it ...
#13
Member
Just a thought, the wheel does have the splines that go onto the shaft and they are very small so even off by 1 or 2 of the teeth may make a slight difference.
Hate to suggest it but try taking it apart again but mark it with a marker prior to removing the steering wheel, then put it back on 1-2 teeth offset to the right and see if that resolves.
I had a similar issue with a prior vehicle and it was off by 2 teeth on the splines.
Hate to suggest it but try taking it apart again but mark it with a marker prior to removing the steering wheel, then put it back on 1-2 teeth offset to the right and see if that resolves.
I had a similar issue with a prior vehicle and it was off by 2 teeth on the splines.
#14
Turns out the issue was completely unrelated. I put on a new set of tires around the same time as the wheel swap. Apparently one of the tires had a radial pull. Once the tire was swapped out, everything straightened up. Wanted to post so others who are interested don’t shy away from swapping steering wheels. As noted above, you can reinstall the wheel cockeyed if you’re not careful, but if you pay attention, it’s a quick and easy process.
On a related note, I have a brown leather steering wheel of a 2016 GL450 that is in good shape if anyone is in need of a replacement. Part is 166-460-91-03-8P18
On a related note, I have a brown leather steering wheel of a 2016 GL450 that is in good shape if anyone is in need of a replacement. Part is 166-460-91-03-8P18